The Land of Contrasts - Valencia Cycling Tour

Welcome to Valencia, the Land of Contrasts. Discover its natural beauty as you cycle through the rugged mountain ranges & sprawling green valleys. Pass vineyard's, orange and olive groves. Experience the culture of past and present as you meander through the great, walled City of Valencia. Take in the local cuisine, of wine & oranges, Olives and almonds as you bask in the Spanish sunshine.

Your pedals propel you gently into a world that few know or ever explore, peopled by a fiercely proud and hospitable race. So, what are you waiting for? Let the adventure begin...

Price From £675.00

2019 Dates Available

Grade:

Comfort: Mixed

Start/Finish: From Biar to Valencia

Distance: 255 - 320km / 158-199 miles

Duration: 7 nights - 8 Days

Availability: Sunday departures available all year (except from 29.07 to 24.08)

After checking into your hotel take the time to explore Biar, a city full of heritage sites and crowned by its 12th Century castle. Wander around the old quarter with its maze of narrow streets and discover the quaint squares and churches or try some local food in one of the many bars and restaurants.

Day 2: Biar to Bocairent. 24, 32 or 46 Km (15, 20 or 28.5 miles)

Cycle along an old railway line that runs parallel to the River Vinalopó. Pass orchards and small villages on the approach to Banyeres de Mariol. Here there are a choice of 2 routes:
Route 1: Continues on flat terrain and borders the Paraje Natural de la Sierra de Mariola (a mountain range, most of which is included in a natural park of17,257 ha). After a few more kilometres you will arrive at your destination, the medieval town of Bocairent.
Route 2: Venture into the Paraje Natural de la Sierra de Mariola, and cycle to higher ground. Marvel at the stunning views, the flora and the fauna. Then head to the imposing medieval town of Bocairent.
Its worth taking a stroll around the old quarter.

Day 3: Bocairent to Fontanars. 21 or 34 Km (13 or 21 miles)

After breakfast, set out towards vineyard country. There are two options to choose from:
Route 1: The shorter option giving you more time to explore the medieval quarter of Bocairent.
Route 2: Head off towards La Valleta d’ Agres. Pedal past fruit trees at the foothills of the impressive Serra de Mariola mountain range. Pass through villages such as Alfafara and Agres, each with their own distinctive characters. Tonight you’ll be privileged and stay in a truly rural setting. Wine tasting available.

Day 4: Fontanars to Salem. 56 Km (35 miles)
Ride along quiet lanes, through peaceful fields studded with olive groves and vineyards. Keep a look out for grand buildings that harmonise with the landscape, as you make your way to Fontanars dels Alforins. Some of the former noblemen’s houses have been converted into wineries and in the village you can visit speciality shops that offer artesan delicacies and craft items. Explore the small villages in the Benicadell area with its rugged beauty and magnificent views. There are also interesting, historical, man made features such as pozos de nieve (pits built to catch and store snow), and remnants of an irrigation system started by the Romans and later perfected by the Arabs. The area also contains archaeological excavations, castles, palaces, ancient fountains and caves.

Day 5: Salem to Xàtiva. 33 or 45 Km (20 or 28 miles )
Explore the small towns, villages and hamlets of this district and visit some of the best preserved architectural heritage in the region. Observe the traditional handicrafts and taste fine, locally-produced food. Your route crosses the district on the shores of the Bellús dam, an outstanding area, important for its superb landscape and rich ecology. Pass a number of cultural artefacts, such as old watermills, azuts (water diversion dams), and elements of the old irrigation infrastructure. The lands around here are the most fertile in the district and, not surprisingly, market gardens are plentiful. You have two options to choose from:
Route 1: The short route takes you directly to the Bellús dam.
Route 2: The long route visiting the towns in the Benicadell Valley, and, later in the day you can explore the shores of the Bellús dam.

Day 6: Xàtiva to Cullera. 55 Km (34 miles)

Leave the city of Xàtiva into the hinterland of València with its lush market gardens and orange groves. The area is renowned for the quality of its oranges which are blessed by the climatic conditions of the Mediterranean. Follow a pretty little valley and head along part of the pilgrimage route that linked different monasteries. Take time to explore the imposing monastery of Simat de la Valldigna. Continue cycling through rice fields to Cullera where you can taste some of the rice specialties of the area. Cullera is a coastal town with beautiful sea views, there are plenty of beaches that you can enjoy even in winter if the sun is shining.

Day 7: Cullera to València. 46 or 56 Km (28.5 or 35 miles )

For the longer option start off along the banks of the River Xúquer, the waters of which irrigate the many, prolific fields and groves of the district. Venture into Parque Natural de la Albufera, a nature reserve consisting of a freshwater lagoon and estuary set in 21,120 hectares. It is one of the most valuable ecosystems in the Mediterranean. Take in the different natural environments such as lakes, marshes, sand-dunes and pinewoods that border the seafront. All of these ecosystems have their corresponding flora and fauna. It is well worth enjoying one of the typical dishes of this rather special district. Also, go for a stroll by the port and see the fisherman at work before they return home to picturesque El Palmar. On reaching Valencia, explore the old quarter with its cathedral and central market, its narrow streets and squares with cafés, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. The city’s nightlife is also famous.

The total distance of this cycling tour is approximately 289km / 180 miles.

Essential Information:

Tour operates all year round.

Sunday departures.

These two cities are connected with many European cities as well as the rest of Spain. The airports in both cities are quite close to the centre and are serviced by ample public transport.

(Further information)

For all tours, we have endeavoured to offer the highest comfort possible and hence we have carefully selected accommodation options. These include: 3*** and 4**** hotels, charming rural houses or farmsteads and high-grade B&Bs

Nature of the route has been designed to take advantage, as far as possible, of downhill slopes along valleys that start in the interior and wind their way towards coastal plains and the sea. The route hence does not demand a high level of fitness; notwithstanding this, we have different alternatives that can either shorten or lengthen a day’s ride.

For the first two days, the route follows a former railway line, which is traffic free. For the others we have chosen small quiet roads where cars are seldom seen.

After checking into your hotel take the time to explore Biar, a city full of heritage sites and crowned by its 12th Century castle. Wander around the old quarter with its maze of narrow streets and discover the quaint squares and churches or try some local food in one of the many bars and restaurants.

Day 2: Biar to Bocairent. 24, 32 or 46 Km (15, 20 or 28.5 miles)

Cycle along an old railway line that runs parallel to the River Vinalopó. Pass orchards and small villages on the approach to Banyeres de Mariol. Here there are a choice of 2 routes:
Route 1: Continues on flat terrain and borders the Paraje Natural de la Sierra de Mariola (a mountain range, most of which is included in a natural park of17,257 ha). After a few more kilometres you will arrive at your destination, the medieval town of Bocairent.
Route 2: Venture into the Paraje Natural de la Sierra de Mariola, and cycle to higher ground. Marvel at the stunning views, the flora and the fauna. Then head to the imposing medieval town of Bocairent.
Its worth taking a stroll around the old quarter.

Day 3: Bocairent to Fontanars. 21 or 34 Km (13 or 21 miles)

After breakfast, set out towards vineyard country. There are two options to choose from:
Route 1: The shorter option giving you more time to explore the medieval quarter of Bocairent.
Route 2: Head off towards La Valleta d’ Agres. Pedal past fruit trees at the foothills of the impressive Serra de Mariola mountain range. Pass through villages such as Alfafara and Agres, each with their own distinctive characters. Tonight you’ll be privileged and stay in a truly rural setting. Wine tasting available.

Day 4: Fontanars to Salem. 56 Km (35 miles)
Ride along quiet lanes, through peaceful fields studded with olive groves and vineyards. Keep a look out for grand buildings that harmonise with the landscape, as you make your way to Fontanars dels Alforins. Some of the former noblemen’s houses have been converted into wineries and in the village you can visit speciality shops that offer artesan delicacies and craft items. Explore the small villages in the Benicadell area with its rugged beauty and magnificent views. There are also interesting, historical, man made features such as pozos de nieve (pits built to catch and store snow), and remnants of an irrigation system started by the Romans and later perfected by the Arabs. The area also contains archaeological excavations, castles, palaces, ancient fountains and caves.

Day 5: Salem to Xàtiva. 33 or 45 Km (20 or 28 miles )
Explore the small towns, villages and hamlets of this district and visit some of the best preserved architectural heritage in the region. Observe the traditional handicrafts and taste fine, locally-produced food. Your route crosses the district on the shores of the Bellús dam, an outstanding area, important for its superb landscape and rich ecology. Pass a number of cultural artefacts, such as old watermills, azuts (water diversion dams), and elements of the old irrigation infrastructure. The lands around here are the most fertile in the district and, not surprisingly, market gardens are plentiful. You have two options to choose from:
Route 1: The short route takes you directly to the Bellús dam.
Route 2: The long route visiting the towns in the Benicadell Valley, and, later in the day you can explore the shores of the Bellús dam.

Day 6: Xàtiva to Cullera. 55 Km (34 miles)

Leave the city of Xàtiva into the hinterland of València with its lush market gardens and orange groves. The area is renowned for the quality of its oranges which are blessed by the climatic conditions of the Mediterranean. Follow a pretty little valley and head along part of the pilgrimage route that linked different monasteries. Take time to explore the imposing monastery of Simat de la Valldigna. Continue cycling through rice fields to Cullera where you can taste some of the rice specialties of the area. Cullera is a coastal town with beautiful sea views, there are plenty of beaches that you can enjoy even in winter if the sun is shining.

Day 7: Cullera to València. 46 or 56 Km (28.5 or 35 miles )

For the longer option start off along the banks of the River Xúquer, the waters of which irrigate the many, prolific fields and groves of the district. Venture into Parque Natural de la Albufera, a nature reserve consisting of a freshwater lagoon and estuary set in 21,120 hectares. It is one of the most valuable ecosystems in the Mediterranean. Take in the different natural environments such as lakes, marshes, sand-dunes and pinewoods that border the seafront. All of these ecosystems have their corresponding flora and fauna. It is well worth enjoying one of the typical dishes of this rather special district. Also, go for a stroll by the port and see the fisherman at work before they return home to picturesque El Palmar. On reaching Valencia, explore the old quarter with its cathedral and central market, its narrow streets and squares with cafés, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. The city’s nightlife is also famous.

Day 8: València
Individual departure.

Key Details:

Eight day, seven night itinerary.

This tour will start Biar and end in Valencia.

The total distance of this cycling tour is approximately 289km / 180 miles.

Essential Information:

Tour operates all year round.

Sunday departures.

These two cities are connected with many European cities as well as the rest of Spain. The airports in both cities are quite close to the centre and are serviced by ample public transport.

(Further information)

For all tours, we have endeavoured to offer the highest comfort possible and hence we have carefully selected accommodation options. These include: 3*** and 4**** hotels, charming rural houses or farmsteads and high-grade B&Bs

Nature of the route has been designed to take advantage, as far as possible, of downhill slopes along valleys that start in the interior and wind their way towards coastal plains and the sea. The route hence does not demand a high level of fitness; notwithstanding this, we have different alternatives that can either shorten or lengthen a day’s ride.

For the first two days, the route follows a former railway line, which is traffic free. For the others we have chosen small quiet roads where cars are seldom seen.

There are many places to visit and things to enjoy during your cycling holiday in Spain including:

Scenic routes

Lovely views

History

Mostly traffic free or light traffic

Walled City of Valencia

Old and new culture

Orange and olive groves

Locally produced foof

Sunshine

Rugged mountain ranges

Lush green valleys

Getting to Spain:

By Rail/Bus – There are a number of public transport operating in Spain.

By Car – Spain can be reached by car via ferry and well-maintained motorways.

By Air – There are a number of flights available to Spain and a number of airports including Valencia Airport.

Valencia, the land of contrasts

Welcome to Valencia, the Land of Contrasts. Discover its natural beauty as you cycle through the rugged mountain ranges & sprawling green valleys. Pass vineyard's, orange and olive groves. Experience the culture of past and present as you meander through the great, walled City of Valencia. Take in the local cuisine, of wine & oranges, Olives and almonds as you bask in the Spanish sunshine. Your pedals propel you gently into a world that few know or ever explore, peopled by a fiercely
proud and hospitable race. So, what are you waiting for? Let the adventure begin...